FROM PROTECT THE WILD—CATAPULTS & WILDLIFE CRIME

Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Shot off a rooftop for fun, and left to die! In Cumbria, two boys filmed themselves shooting a gull for fun, then posted the sickening footage in a facebook group - for a “laugh”. CHARLOTTE SMITH SEP 17 READ IN APP The catapult attack at Southsea pier has not been the only one. In Cumbria, on July 7th, two teenage boys filmed themselves using a catapult to shoot a gull off a roof. In the video the gull can be heard letting out a pain filled squawk, then seen falling from the roof. What makes this more gut wrenching, is that the boys run away laughing and sniggering at the suffering and pain they have just caused an innocent, defenceless animal. Sign our petition, stop catapult crime! The teens seemed to be so proud of themselves, that they went on to post the footage into a facebook gull appreciation group - a group which is full of gull lovers. It’s hard to comprehend what they were thinking, other than they seem to have abused an animal, taken a video of them doing it, and shared it into a group where people, who love that animal, would see it - all for a reaction! It shows a staggering lack of empathy for the gull, and all the humans that would be, rightfully, upset from this cruelty. Cumbria Police have reported they are investigating the incident, stating that on the 14th of July they arrested a 14 year old boy in connection with the video. But, because the boys appear to be under 16, there are real concerns that nothing meaningful will follow, and they’ll be no consequences felt by either teen, who think animal abuse is funny. Sadly the gull's fate is unknown, which makes the video all the more unbearable. Unless someone kind found them, they likely faced a slow agonising death, from a metal ball lodged deep in the body, a broken wing or leg, starvation or infection. The injuries are catastrophic and often need human intervention and veterinary care, then rehabilitation for the animal to survive. Sign our petition, stop catapult crime! Why the law has to change We are seeing catapult crime again and again, yet no meaningful action taken by authorities because the current legislation is not good enough. A living animal is targeted for a “laugh” and the law offers no clear answer, because protections are scattered, inconsistent, and depend on the species involved or the exact circumstances of the attack. We believe a law that protects some animals but not others is not a law against cruelty. Whether the target is a swan or a gull, a fox or a pigeon, the pain, fear and suffering is felt the same. That’s why we are calling on the government to make it a specific criminal offence in England to use, discharge, or attempt to discharge a catapult at any animal, whether or not the animal is struck, and whatever their species. Wildlife is not target practice. Add your name and help us make this the law! Sign our petition, stop catapult crime! JOIN THE FIGHT TO PROTECT THE WILD Want to support our work fighting for British wildlife? Please consider becoming a monthly donor today and you’ll be joining thousands of others chipping in to keep us alive and kicking! Donate to Protect the Wild SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2026 Protect the Wild Protect the Wild, 71-75 Shelton Street Covent Garden, London, W2CH 9JQ Unsubscribe Start writing